A headboard is the portion of a bed that is located at the end where one rests his or her head while sleeping. Usually, a headboard is attached to the frame of the bed. In some cases, however, the headboard may simply rest behind the bed.

The primary purpose of the headboard is to help keep pillows in place while in use. The headboard can, however, serve several additional purposes. For example, a headboard may include shelves that can be used to place decorations or lamps to use while reading in bed. Similarly, a headboard may include cabinetry and other storage areas. This style of headboard became particularly popular with the introduction of the waterbed to the public.

The headboard may also be an integral part of the bedroom décor. Often, the headboard is designed to match the dressers and nightstands in a bedroom. Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and designs, headboards can be found to fit nearly every homeowner's personal taste.

A headboard may also have a matching footboard, which is located at the opposite end of the bed. Its purpose is to help hold blankets and sheets in place, as well as to add to the decorative element of the bed in the bedroom. Usually, the headboard stands taller than the footboard if both are present in a bed. In some cases, the headboard and the footboard may be of equal height and size. Rarely is the footboard larger than the headboard.

While a headboard and a footboard are not necessary pieces of a bed, they can both be useful. In addition, both the headboard and footboard can help transform a plain and ordinary bed to the centerpiece of a bedroom.

In addition to being used in the home, a headboard is often included with hospital beds as well. In this case, the headboard serves as an area to store vital medical materials that need to be accessed easily. Similarly, the headboard may serve as a storage area for hygiene products or items nurses may need to access easily when cleaning the room, such as extra linens for the bed or napkins and other items the patient may need.